Society is about to "Boom" and I retired last August. Some seek retirement early, others put it off as long as possible. A basic question can be asked again. Who am I? And what kind of a world am I in.This blog will encourage individuals to explore the idea that "its more than just about the money". Retirement: Third Age New Beginnings

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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Is The "Post Parental" Stage of Life

Mrs.
S.C.'s youngest daughter, and third child, 22 years old, just left home to set
up her own apartment, not too far away. With the departure of her two older
children, she felt a deepening sense of threat to her feeling of being needed
by them. When her third left—not for the socially approved reason of marriage,
but to assert her own independence—a pervasive sadness deepened into
depression. While overtly, her concern was for her daughter's welfare
("How will she manage?"), actually, she felt a profound sense of
rejection at this step. She became overwhelmed by feelings of failure and
unworthiness.

The major cognitive
components of the depressive affect clustered around irrational beliefs and
demands that reflected: self-blame, guilt and unworthiness ("It's all my
fault", "I should have
done differently","
I failed
them", "I'm not a good mother", "I'm a rotten
person"); self pity ("If they cared for me, they wouldn't leave
me", "Poor me!"); anger and condemnation ("They shouldn't
do this to me", "They're selfish"); magical thinking and the
need for order and control ("If they had listened to me, everything would
be all right", "That's not what I wanted for them", "I'm helpless,
therefore I'm no good"); perfectionism ("Nothing seems to work out
right any more"); low frustration tolerance (It's not fair", "I
can't stand it!").

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Art With Wrinkles

Retirement Workshop

This workshop is designed for persons who are considering retirement or have already retired.While financial security is critical for retirement satisfaction and success, identity and social relationships are equally important. Retirement affects people differently. On the positive side it can mean new goals, interests, and activities. On the other end it can mean heavy stress, physical deterioration and depression.

This four-hour workshop helps participants explore attitudes and feelings about the social aspects of retirement. I am looking for organizations, either businesses or not for profit organizations that would like to sponsor this workshop.

About Me

I am a 74-year-old academic who resisted mandatory retirement for three years until the government decided to give human rights to people over the age of 65.
Over the last ten years my special interest has been aging and society. I have designed a course, Aging, which explores social relationships in later adulthood. I also conducted research on ageism in British Columbia.
This blog has been created with the assumption that while having a sufficient source of continuing income is needed, family connections, community and social involvement are equally important for a successful retirement.
This blog gives others a chance to share their stories.